https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Missed Cut-Off by 0.33% in First Try, Aced Exam with AIR 53 in Second Attempt

IAS officer Ashish Kumar missed the cut off by a mere 0.33% in UPSC CSE 2018. He reportedly scored 97.67% and missed out on the 98% cut-off. However, this did not dishearten him.Instead, he devised a new strategy to crack the exam.
Indian Masterminds Stories

When Ashish Kumar missed clearing UPSC Civil Services Examination by a whisker, he didn’t get disheartened. Instead, he resolved with firmer determination to fill the little gaps and ace the exam next time. And he did! In his second attempt in 2019, he got the All India Rank 53 and stepped into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. He was allocated West Bengal cadre.

Indian Masterminds presents his inspiring story of success. A story of determination and firm resolve to find out his weaknesses and turn them into his strength.

MISSED BY A WHISKER

In his first attempt at UPSC CSE in 2018, Mr Kumar missed the cut-off by a mere 0.33%. He reportedly scored  97.67% and just missed out on the 98% cut-off! However, this touch-and-go situation did not disturb or dishearten him. Instead, he set about to plugging the gaps, reformatting his strategy with a firmer resolve than before to ace the exam the next time.

IAS officer Ashish Kumar, UPSC-2019 Topper (Credit: Social Media)

CHANGING STRATEGY

He started off by readjusting and refocusing on his strategy. He analysed what could have possibly gone wrong, where he lacked, how he got left behind. And after reviewing all the weak spots he came up with a new strategy. And prepared accordingly.

Talking to media, he had said that he welcomed the failed result and acknowledged that there were gaps in his preparation, so he planned for his second attempt meticulously. “Not clearing the examination, in hindsight, was good for me because it allowed me to focus more on my preparation.”

He made sure that his preparation had a proper direction this time. He limited the sources, closely observed the strategies of previous years’ toppers and fashioned his study pattern accordingly. He concentrated more on making notes and attempted mock tests extensively.

IAS officer Ashish Kumar (Credit: Social Media)

GAVE HIMSELF THREE CHANCES

But, most importantly, he devised a clear timeline this time to have mental clarity. He gave himself three chances to crack the exam and made up his mind to look for a different career otherwise.

However, the need for a different career did not arise as he cleared the exam in his second attempt very convincingly, securing 53 rank. So now his advice to all aspirants is: “Focus on the exam on hand and do not think of ‘what if’ scenarios. The examination requires you to be completely invested in the preparation and not have a wavering mind.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Bihar Elections 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Addresses 5 Key Issues - SIR, Fake Voting, Freebies & More
BSNL
BSNL Surpasses Airtel in Mobile Subscriber Growth After Nearly a Year; Jio Leads with 19 Lakh Additions in August
NTPC_Tapovan Donates_Ambulance_
NTPC Hands Over ₹30 Lakh Advanced Life Support Ambulance to Chamoli District Hospital to Boost Emergency Healthcare
NTPC_Barauni_signed_agreement_
NTPC Barauni to Install 89 High-Mast Lights Across Begusarai to Boost Safety and Community Development
BPCL_bags_Excellence_Awards_
BPCL Wins Top Honours for City Gas Distribution and Customer Service at 19th PNGRB Foundation Day
Allahabad high court
SC Collegium Approves Appointment of Vinai Kumar Dwivedi as Judge of Allahabad High Court
JK Cement Health Camp Panna
Free Health Camp Organised for Forest Personnel During Wildlife Week 2025 by South Panna Forest Division
REC Mobile Medical Units
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Flags Off REC’s ₹5.71 Cr Mobile Medical Units to Boost Rural Healthcare in Rajasthan
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IDES Saquib Alam
UPSC Strategy & Mindset Tips from IDES Officer Saquib Alam | Video Interview 
Dr G K Goswami IPS
Everything you ever wanted to know about e-murder, e-dacoity and data safety
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IDES Saquib Alam
UPSC Strategy & Mindset Tips from IDES Officer Saquib Alam | Video Interview 
Discover how IDES officer Saquib Alam left his corporate job at Mahindra, overcame six UPSC attempts,...
Utkarsh Ujjwal IAS
IAS Utkarsh Ujjwal Shares Key Advice for UPSC Aspirants: Work Ethic, Failure, and Focus
Read the inspiring journey of IAS Utkarsh Ujjwal, 2023 batch, Gujarat cadre. From IIT Guwahati to clearing...
Sagar Datta Majumdar UPSC CSE 2024 AIR 317
“Don’t get trapped in the vicious cycle of self-doubt,” says UPSC Achiever Sagar Datta Majumdar
Discover how Sagar Datta Majumdar from Agartala, Tripura, cracked UPSC CSE 2024 with All India Rank 317....
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Bihar Elections 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Addresses 5 Key Issues - SIR, Fake Voting, Freebies & More
BSNL
BSNL Surpasses Airtel in Mobile Subscriber Growth After Nearly a Year; Jio Leads with 19 Lakh Additions in August
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IDES Saquib Alam
Dr G K Goswami IPS
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT